Selection Committee

The recipient of the Krieger-Nelson Prize, as well as the other Research awards, is chosen by the CMS Research Committee based on the strength of the nominations.

The Krieger-Nelson Prize is named in honour of:

Cecilia Krieger

Cecilia Krieger (1894-1974)

Born in Poland, Cecelia Krieger began studying mathematics and physics at the University of Toronto in 1920. In 1930, Krieger became the first woman – and only the third person overall – to earn a mathematics doctorate from a Canadian University. She taught mathematics and physics at the University of Toronto until her retirement in 1962. She is best known for her translation of Sierpinski’s celebrated Introduction to General Topology (1934) and General Topology (1952).

Evelyn Nelson

Evelyn Nelson (1943-1987)

Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Evelyn Nelson began her studies at the University of Toronto before transferring to McMaster University. Described as their star undergraduate, her master’s thesis was published in the Canadian Journal of Mathematics and her Ph.D thesis was completed just after the birth of her first child. Throughout her career, which was tragically cut short with her death in 1987, she presented close to 30 invited lectures outside Canada, refereed for ten journals, and served on several CMS committees, including the Board of Directors.